Daily Reflection for Friday, January 3, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link:
www.usccb.org/bible/readings/010320.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 John 2: 29-3:6
Responsorial: Psalm 98;1, 3CD-4, 5-6
Gospel: John 1: 29-34
Our reflection on Friday’s readings:
“Now I have seen and testified that He is the Son of God.” John 1:34
It is always a blessing to have a someone in your life who testifies or points out God in their life like John the Baptist does in the Gospel today. John was given direct instructions on what to look for. When the dove descended on Jesus, John knew that He was God. He listened to the Father and recognized the Son. We all do not have that gift. Most of us just muddle through situations and perhaps in hindsight can come up with where God was in the midst of a particular situation. God knows that we need help which is why He, through the Church, encourages us to come together as the Body of Christ both in Mass and in a Small Church Community.
I have been blessed to belong to a Small Church Community for over 20 years. In this smaller group experience people have the space to share their stories as they relate to scripture, and to discover where Jesus is in that story, either by self-revelation or from another member through the help of the Holy Spirit. Some members are wise, like John the Baptist. They see where God is in their lives and are able to model that as example for those of us who need a little help.
Marlene was a member of my Small Church Community and recently passed into eternal life. She was that person for me. She imparted wisdom in the words she spoke. In her examples, she was able to testify to how she recognized God in her life. As Marlene shared a story, she frequently reported that she had first prayed for guidance or help. Her relationship with Jesus, found in prayer, rewarded her with the gift of the Holy Spirit she needed for a particular situation.
One example she related was a story about a difficult patient on her schedule for later that day. This person drove her nuts, perhaps because the patient never heard of followed through with Marlene’s suggestions for the patient’s care. However this particular day, just before this patient entered the room, Marlene reported that she prayed for help from God. When she entered the room, Marlene was directed by God to sit and listen, so she did. As she listened, the patient became calmer and Marlene said she felt peaceful. After listening to her patient, her patient was ready to listen to Marlene and the suggestions she gave were accepted.
Through the stories of others, we can hear the testimony of their relationship with God. Who in your life shares their testimony of God in their stories to help point the way for you? Who can you share your story with to help point the way for them? Your personal story is your personal story. Don’t be afraid to share it.
Blessings for the journey!
Paula Paul